The Bonner Party

Pianist Joe Bonner has been among the most enigmatic personages on the Denver jazz scene for decades, yet his talent is hardly a mystery. Lights Out, which receives its introduction to the public during a Saturday, November 27, CD-release bash at Dazzle, is another in a long line of consistently...

By Michael Roberts

November 25, 2004

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Pianist Joe Bonner has been among the most enigmatic personages on the Denver jazz scene for decades, yet his talent is hardly a mystery. Lights Out, which receives its introduction to the public during a Saturday, November 27, CD-release bash at Dazzle, is another in a long line of consistently impressive recordings stretching back to the early '70s.

Joining Bonner in this particular Party are saxophonist Prasanna Bishop, bassist supreme Artie Moore and drummer Charles Ayash. Together the instrumentally accomplished quartet tackles a slew of original compositions from the pens of Bonner and Bishop, as well as Kenny Barron's "The Black Angel" and Thad Jones's lovely "Quietude." The playing throughout is lush, rich and intuitive, with the roiling "Essence" and the old-school bop of "Activa" offering ample evidence of the combo's range and skill. The performers' classicism means that traditions are saluted, not transformed, but the disc is no less engaging for their fealty to jazz verities. Title notwithstanding, Lights Out shines.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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